Responsibility
Sustainability
We thoughtfully steward our estate vineyards and wineries using earth-friendly practices. Our Vineyard Operations Managers are in constant pursuit of improvements that are good for our environment, our vineyards, and ultimately, our wines.
Our Programs
-
• Use of “beneficials” in select vineyards such as lacewings to control mealy bugs
• A phase-out effort of many chemical inputs
• Use of kelp-based products to stimulate soil microbial action; nutrients help balance the soil, help vine growth and reduce the need for fertilizers
• Vigilant soil moisture measurement to cut water waste
• Use of drip irrigation for continued efficiency and water conservation
• Light use (only when needed) of compost from a local dairy farm, lessening road miles and using area resources for soil amendment
• Field monitoring for pest damage, intervening only when needed
• Growing on our own rootstock for hardier, more sustainable vines whenever possible
• Use of environmentally friendly pest control agents
• Operating low impact vehicles in the vineyards to lower emissions, e.g. ATVs and motorbikes
• All of our Oregon vineyards are LIVE Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe Certified properties
-
• Hot water conservation and efficient tank heating systems
• Use of fluorescent lighting to maintain cooler temperature and scale down wattage use
• Employee training on water conservation practices
• Use of cellar hose nozzles to help control water waste
• Water efficient landscaping such as xeriscape and native plants on our grounds
• Waste pond aeration pumps for oxygenation and efficiency
• Recycling glass, paper, cardboard, lightbulbs, aluminum, batteries and corks
• Repurposing leftover grape pumice for fertilizer and livestock feed
• Utilizing reusable packaging and low-waste collateral materials
• Engaging local and regional vendors whenever possible to reduce road miles
-
In 2022, Browne Family Vineyards launched the Browne Forest Project in partnership with One Tree Planted, and is committed to planting a forest one bottle at a time. The Browne Forest Project started as a personal mission given recent climate impacts on the vineyards and grapes. Since the fall of 2022, we have planted over 160,000 trees, with a pledge to plant one million trees as a part of the program.
Social Responsibility
Passion and authenticity are infectious, and our strong connections with consumers have been driven by our cause marketing partnerships, many of which stemmed from causes important to our team members.
Our partners
-
House Wine has donated a portion of its proceeds from its Rainbow Rosé Bubbles Cans, the longstanding #1 selling can wine in the country, to HRC since its partnership began in 2018. House Wine was the first brand awarded the ‘Social Visionary Award’ by Wine Enthusiast in 2021 for this partnership. The brand has continued to elevate its celebration and support of LGBTQ+ equality and love in all its forms by adding additional rainbow products to its lineup including the Sparkling Rosé and 3L bag-in-box (BIB) Rainbow Rosé.
-
In May 2014, The Pueblo of Santa Ana and Gruet Winery forged a business collaboration, galvanizing the tribe’s first foray into growing v. vinifera, also a first of its kind venture in New Mexico. The deal marked the development of the 30-acre Tamaya vineyard with the Pueblo of Santa Ana. Planting took place in May of 2014 along the Rio Grande, some of the state’s most fertile land. In 2016, the vineyards’ first light harvest was completed by an all-Native American crew. Today, grapes are grown to our winemaking team’s specifications, who oversees every step of the process, and vineyard maintenance while harvesting is managed by the Pueblo. The partnership is a true testament to Gruet’s commitment to its New Mexico roots.